GPA calls for immediate integration of Camogie Association and LGFA

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) has submitted a motion for consideration at GAA Congress on 26 February urging the GAA to take proactive, meaningful and swift action to expediate integration with the LGFA and the Camogie Association.

The players' body said that it is "inter-county players' firmly held belief that for equality to be achieved within the Gaelic games family, integration of the three National Governing Bodies (NGBs) must be made a priority".

The GPA believe that the merger will have a major positive impact on wider Irish society with 97% of all inter-county players backing integration between the three NGBs.

The motion for equality asks that "the GAA prioritise integration with the LGFA and Camogie Association in order to jointly ensure equal investment, recognition and opportunity for all genders to play all sports in the Gaelic Games family".

Speaking about the motion, GPA CEO Tom Parsons said: "The spirit of this motion is about action for gender equality in sport and bringing the Gaelic family together. It is about showing women and girls, whether they are involved in Gaelic games or not, that the biggest sporting and cultural organisation in Ireland values you every bit as much as it does your brothers, partners, nephews and husbands.

"We appreciate and respect the three NGBs have been on a journey towards closer links and closer cooperation. What players are asking for now is that the GAA expediate this process, in a spirit of consultation with the LGFA and Camogie Association. I believe this change will have the power to unite us and ignite Gaelic games.

"The outcome players want to see is a road map that sets out clear actions and timelines that leads to one national organisation overseeing our games.